Following on from last weeks blog about how we are now in the “instant success era“, one criticism I have seen thrown at Viktor Gyokeres by pundits and fans is how he will be a “flat track bully” in the Premier League.

This opinion is based purely on the view that he has only performed in Portugal, and therefore is will only be able to perform against mid-lower league clubs and not the top.

Now, taking away that you need to do some crazy mental gymnastics to build this opinion (and you are basically saying we should never sign a player outside of England, Italy, Germany or Spain as every other league is inferior), I have a question.

Would it be a bad thing if Viktor Gyokeres only performs against those teams 7th and below?

Under Mikel Arteta, our form against “Big 6” teams has been exceptional. For clarity, the above graphic is against Manchester’s City and United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham. It excludes Aston Villa and Newcastle – whilst both have performed well the last couple of seasons, they have shared more relegations than trophies in the last decade. Only their own fans think they are big clubs.

22 games unbeaten against the Big 6, averaging 2.18 points per game. If we played 38 games only against the Big 6, that would see us get 83 points, 1 point less than what Liverpool achieved to win the league last season.

We are a long memory away from being spanked by Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea home and away every season, and we now go into these games expecting to win at home and get a draw (at least) away.

Form against the Big 6 is not what has cost us the league title in the last 3 seasons.

Last season (2024/25) we dropped points twice against Bournemouth (two defeats), Brighton (two draws) and Everton (also two draws), whilst also dropped points at home to Crystal Palace, Brentford and Aston Villa.

The year before (2023/24), it was defeat against Aston Villa that led us to no longer be in the driving seat in the race for the title. We lost both games to Villa that season.

We also lost back to back games to Fulham (away) and West Ham (home). We failed to beat Fulham in either game.

And then in 2022/23, our season derailed after we failed to beat West Ham (away draw), Southampton (home draw), Brighton (home defeat) and Nottingham Forst (away defeat) in the last 8 games of the season. We failed to beat Southampton home and away despite them finishing bottom.

It is clear to all and sundry that it was our performances in these “lesser” games that saw cost us league titles, not games against Liverpool or Manchester City, Tottenham or Chelsea. So tell me then, if would Viktor Gyokeres only performing in the games against 7th and below be a bad thing?

A flat track bully who turns up against the West Ham, Southampton’s, Brighton and Fulham’s of this world and scores a bucket load to secure 3-points. And then for the Big 6 games we perform how we have over the least 3 and a bit season and snatch victories based on control, resolute defending and taking our chances when they come (from set pieces).

Now I am not saying that Gyokeres is going to only be a flat tack bully. It seems to have been forgotten that he scored 6 goals in 8 Champions League games last season for Sporting. Including a hat trick against Manchester City. He also has 15 goals in 26 games at international level.

I think Gyokeres will turn out to be a fantastic striker for Arsenal giving time. And if all he ends up doing is scoring bucket loads against those lesser teams, then that might actually be exactly what Arsenal need to win the league!

Keenos

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— Kick Off Merchants (@KOMerchants) August 18, 2025

Arsenal delivered a five-star performance at the Emirates Stadium as they swept aside Leeds United with a ruthless 5–0 victory in their first home game of the new Premier League season. It was a display full of attacking intent, set-piece precision, and individual brilliance, though injuries to key players cast a shadow over an otherwise sparkling afternoon.

First Half: Arsenal Take Control

The match began with Leeds pressing high and showing plenty of early energy. They forced an early save from David Raya, who tipped away a header to settle the home crowd’s nerves. Arsenal, however, gradually imposed their authority, circulating the ball with composure and probing for gaps.

The breakthrough came in the 34th minute. Declan Rice delivered a dangerous corner into the box and Jurrien Timber rose highest to power his header into the bottom corner, giving Arsenal a deserved lead. It was a goal that epitomised the Gunners’ increasing threat from set-pieces.

Just before half-time, Arsenal doubled their advantage. Timber was again at the heart of it, surging down the flank before finding Bukayo Saka in space. The winger unleashed a thunderous strike beyond the goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations inside the Emirates. At 2–0, Arsenal looked in complete control.

The mood, however, was tempered by a setback. Captain Martin Ødegaard was forced off with a shoulder injury late in the half, an early blow to Arsenal’s rhythm and a worrying sight for Mikel Arteta.

Second Half: The Floodgates Open

If Arsenal’s first-half performance had been authoritative, the second half was ruthless. Just three minutes after the restart, summer signing Viktor Gyökeres made his mark. Collecting the ball inside the area, he showed strength and composure to drill a low finish into the far corner, registering his first Premier League goal for the club. His celebrations were full of relief and determination, a striker eager to prove himself in north London.

Leeds struggled to cope with Arsenal’s tempo, and another set-piece undid them just minutes later. Rice’s delivery again caused chaos in the box, and Timber was on hand to flick home his second of the afternoon. The Dutch defender’s brace, alongside his earlier assist, made him the standout performer on the day.

At 4–0, Arsenal were rampant, but another worrying moment arrived midway through the half when Saka pulled up clutching his hamstring. He left the pitch immediately, adding to Arteta’s growing list of injury concerns.

Debut for a 15-Year-Old

The match will also be remembered for a historic debut. In the 64th minute, 15-year-old academy talent Max Dowman entered the field, becoming one of the youngest players ever to feature in the Premier League. The teenager played with remarkable confidence, drifting past defenders with ease and nearly scoring with a curling effort that flashed just wide.

Dowman’s lively cameo was rewarded when he won a penalty late in the game, driving into the box and drawing a foul from a weary Leeds defender. Gyökeres stepped up from the spot and dispatched it with authority to complete the 5–0 rout and secure his brace.

Individual Performances

Jurrien Timber was immense throughout, not only scoring twice but also showcasing his defensive awareness and passing range. His versatility and physicality gave Arsenal a new dimension, while his aerial presence proved decisive.

Gyökeres grew into the game, initially quiet in the first half but lethal after the interval. His brace announced his arrival as a genuine threat in Arsenal’s frontline.

Declan Rice was another standout, dictating play from midfield and delivering two pinpoint corners that directly led to goals. His influence continues to grow in this Arsenal side.

And while his appearance was brief, young Max Dowman will long be remembered for the composure and fearlessness he displayed at such a tender age.

Tactical Summary

Arsenal dominated possession and showed their increasing variety in attack. The combination of slick passing moves, devastating wing play, and set-piece prowess gave Leeds no respite. Defensively, they were compact and disciplined, with Raya rarely troubled beyond the opening exchanges.

Leeds, to their credit, worked tirelessly but struggled to contain Arsenal’s movement. Their pressing game was bypassed too easily, and once the goals began to flow, they had little answer to the home side’s relentless intensity.

What It Means

The result maintains Arsenal’s perfect start to the season and underlines their title credentials. It was a statement victory, showcasing not only their star players but also the strength of their academy pipeline. The emergence of Dowman was a symbolic moment, highlighting the club’s continued investment in youth.

Yet, despite the emphatic scoreline, concerns linger. The injuries to Ødegaard and Saka could have major implications in the weeks to come, especially with high-profile fixtures on the horizon. With Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz already sidelined, Arteta may need to rely on squad depth earlier than expected.

Final Whistle

At full-time, the Emirates buzzed with optimism. Arsenal had dismantled Leeds with style and swagger, their attacking play irresistible at times. Timber and Gyökeres provided the goals, Rice orchestrated from midfield, and a 15-year-old debutant stole the hearts of the fans.

The 5–0 win was a resounding reminder of Arsenal’s ambitions this season. But the celebrations were tempered by the reality of injuries to key figures. If Arteta can navigate those challenges, Arsenal look every bit the side capable of pushing for glory.

DJ

This Saturday marks a pivotal moment: our first home game of the 2025/26 Premier League season. The Gunners host newly promoted Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 BST.

Arsenal begin the campaign with quiet momentum after grinding out a gritty 1-0 win at Old Trafford on opening day, courtesy of Riccardo Calafiori’s header. It wasn’t vintage football, but it was a statement of resilience. Leeds arrive with confidence of their own after scraping a 1-0 victory over Everton, thanks to a clutch Lukas Nmecha penalty. Both sides will feel they’ve started on the right foot, but this fixture is the real test of mettle.

Recent Form: Edge in Experience and Consistency

Arsenal’s opening display was far from smooth, but it proved we can win ugly—an essential trait for any title challenger. Defensive solidity and patience got us through at Old Trafford, and now the task is to show more fluency in front of our home fans.

Leeds, meanwhile, are back in the big time and already look more tactically disciplined than many expected. They’re compact, resilient, and ready to frustrate better teams. Their win over Everton highlighted a steely edge, but the Emirates is a very different challenge.

Head-to-Head History: Arsenal’s Upper Hand

Arsenal have enjoyed a long period of dominance over Leeds. We haven’t lost to them in more than a decade, stringing together a 14-game unbeaten run across all competitions. The last time they came to north London in the Premier League, Arsenal ran out comfortable winners. This fixture has generally leaned our way, and history suggests we should feel confident.

But football isn’t played on history alone. Leeds will be motivated to end that barren run, and promoted clubs often find extra fire early in the season when momentum is fresh.

Predictions and Expectations

Most pundits back Arsenal to win with relative comfort, predicting scorelines like 2-0 or 3-0. The logic is simple: home advantage, superior squad depth, and a proven ability to dispatch newly promoted teams. But others urge caution, suggesting it might be tight – something like 1-0 or 2-1 – because Leeds’ defensive organisation could frustrate us if we start slowly.

Whatever the prediction, one thing is certain: three points are essential. If Arsenal want to keep pace with City and Liverpool, these are the games we cannot afford to stumble in.

Tactical Watchpoints & Squad Dynamics

Arsenal: Depth Tested Early

The offensive line has already taken a hit. Kai Havertz, last season’s top scorer with 15 goals, is sidelined with a knee injury. That thrusts Viktor Gyökeres into the spotlight as the only fit recognised striker. His debut at Old Trafford was a muted affair – few touches, no shots, and a struggle to impose himself. The Emirates crowd will be eager to see more evidence of his qualities.

In Havertz’s absence, Arteta may need to get creative. Players like Leandro Trossard could be asked to float centrally, while the midfield balance must allow Ødegaard and Rice to link more cleanly with the forward line. Much rests on Saka and Martinelli stretching Leeds and creating the openings Gyökeres can thrive on.

Another subplot is the integration of new signings. Christian Nørgaard’s absence from the squad last week raised eyebrows – whether tactical or fitness related, fans will want to see what he adds.

Leeds: No Pushovers

Leeds’ opening-day win revealed a compact defensive structure and an ability to punish mistakes. Daniel Farke has instilled a pragmatic streak, and they’ll likely approach this with a deep block, looking to frustrate Arsenal and strike on the break. Nmecha up front gives them a focal point, while their midfield works tirelessly to close gaps.

Their biggest test will be coping with Arsenal’s pace on the wings. If they can keep Saka and Martinelli quiet, the game could get nervy. But if either wide man finds joy, Leeds may struggle to hold firm.

Arsenal’s Season Narrative: A Defining Early Patch

This match is more than just Game 2 – it’s part of a defining first ten-game run that could shape the season. With Liverpool, City, Newcastle, and tricky away days looming, Arsenal must use fixtures like Leeds at home to build momentum. Drop points here, and the pressure compounds quickly.

The narrative of this campaign is still being written. Last season’s heartbreak means expectations are sky-high, but fans also know the fine margins. Every game matters, and early rhythm could be decisive come May.

Final Thoughts

Saturday’s clash with Leeds feels like more than a routine fixture—it’s a chance to lay down a marker. The Emirates expects not just a win but a performance that underlines our title credentials. Leeds won’t roll over, but Arsenal have too much quality and too much motivation to let this slip.

Prediction? A professional 2-0 win. Gyökeres to get off the mark, and Saka to remind everyone why he’s the heartbeat of this team. Three points, clean sheet, and momentum rolling into the autumn.

Come on you Gunners!

DJ